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Go Go Bird
Master Critic Review
Go Go Bird
8.3
Chef Brandon Kida's LA-style fried chicken concept inside Citizen Public Market blends Japanese technique with local nostalgia. The Jidori chicken marinates 24 hours in koji, white soy, and bonito before frying, then gets finished with Sichuan chili oil for umami-forward complexity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thunder Bird Wings, Chicken Sando, Japanese Cheddar Biscuits
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Japanese marinade technique meets LA's Pioneer Chicken heritage with Sichuan finish
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking chef-driven, Asian-influenced fried chicken innovation
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for shorter waits at food hall counter
What to order: Spicy chicken tenders, Japanese poutine fries, Japanese cheddar biscuits
Insider tip: Each order fried fresh to order - expect 15-20 minute wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Citizen Public Market lot $3/hour validation, street parking available on Washington Blvd, municipal lot one block north
Dress code: Casual comfortable - food hall setting, athletic wear to streetwear all work
Noise level: Loud - open food hall acoustics make conversation challenging during peak hours
Weekend wait: 15-20 min for food after ordering, plus 5-10 min queue during prime dinner rush
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min for food, minimal to no line at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited - fries and biscuits only, this is a fried chicken concept
Vegan options: Not recommended - butter in biscuits, no plant-based proteins available
Gluten-free options: No - breading is essential to the concept, no GF alternative offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're both foodies who like casual vibes - shared food hall seating creates relaxed atmosphere, but noise level requires close seating. Better for second/third dates when you're comfortable being informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's food hall counter service with communal seating. Arrive and order, then grab any available table in Citizen Public Market. Weekdays before 6pm offer best seating availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who like adventurous flavors - the Sichuan spice might be intense for younger palates. Food hall setting is forgiving for active kids, but 15-20 min wait requires patience.
How spicy is the chicken actually? Medium heat with numbing Sichuan peppercorn tingle - approachable for most but definitely present. The umami-forward marinade balances the spice. No mild option available.
Is it worth the wait compared to regular fried chicken? Absolutely if you appreciate chef technique - the 24-hour koji marinade creates complexity you won't find at Popeyes. Skip if you just want fast, familiar comfort food.
Best For
Better for: Japanese-influenced technique and umami depth - the koji marinade and bonito create savory complexity that's more sophisticated than traditional Nashville or Southern styles. Made-to-order freshness guarantees crispy coating. Food hall setting ideal for solo dining or casual groups.
Skip if: You want traditional Southern/Nashville hot chicken, need quick service under 10 minutes, require gluten-free options, or prefer quieter dining for conversation-heavy occasions. Also skip if dining with vegetarians - there's nothing substantial for them here.